Hymns for Baptisms
Songs of Praise Conductor Simon Lole has given some background on each hymn and why they are a good choice for the baptism service.
All My Hope On God Is Founded
Words: German hymn adapted by Robert Bridges; Tune: Herbert Howells
Why it's a good choice:
This wonderful text is ideally suited for a baptism, with its focus on our hope on God and all the wonders that he offers us.
Background:
The words of this hymn were written around 1630 and later translated into English by the poet Robert Bridges. In 1930, the Composer Herbert Howells was sent the words by a friend and apparently thought of a tune immediately and wrote it down over breakfast. He named it “Michael” after his young son who had died in childhood.
All Things Bright And Beautiful
Words: Mrs C.F. Alexander;
Tunes: Royal Oak – Traditional arr. Martin Shaw; All Things Bright and Beautiful – W.H.Monk
Why it's a good choice:
Ideal for baptisms and weddings, this ever popular children’s hymn reminds us of the greatness of God, the Creator.
Background:
A popular hymn for children hymn and well-known by two different tunes. The text reflects verse of the Apostles Creed and is possibly influenced also by verses from Psalm 104.
Be Still For The Presence Of The Lord
Words and Music: David Evans
Why it's a good choice:
This lovely hymn works really well for baptisms and weddings as it reminds us to be still and focus totally on God.
Background:
This contemporary worship song, written in the 1980’s by composer David Evans has become one of the most widely used songs of the last 50 years. The tune captures the sentiment of the hymn – that we should clear our minds of everything for a moment and focus on the Lord.
Be Thou My Vision
Words: 8th century Irish Traditional; Tune: Irish Traditional
Why it's a good choice:
This hymn is regularly used at baptisms and weddings, reminding us that God is ever with us.
Background:
The words of this hymn are based on a Middle Irish poem. which was translated into English by Eleanor Hull. Since 1919, it has been paired to an Irish folk tune “Slane”.
Before The Throne Of God Above
Words: Charitie Lees Bancroft (1841–1923); Music: Vikki Cook
Why it's a good choice:
This lovely hymn works well at baptisms as it tells us that God is always there for us through good and evil.
Background:
The lyrics of this hymn were written by Charitie Lees Bancroft. Despite popularity during the 1870s, it was then unused for almost 100 years. This 1997 arrangement by Vikki Cook was made popular by recordings featuring Kristyn Getty.
Breathe On Me Breath Of God
Words: Edwin Hatch; Music: Charles Lockhart (Carlisle)
Why it's a good choice:
This is perfect for baptism with its references to the spiritual breath of God which came to mankind via Jesus at Pentecost.
Background:
The text of this hymn was written in 1876 by Edwin Hatch, an Anglican priest. It’s effectiveness lies in the simplicity of the text, yet with profound meaning.
Fight The Good Fight
Words: John Samuel Bewley Monsell; Music: William Boyd
Why it's a good choice:
This hymn can be used at a baptism as it encourages us to pursue righteousness with the guidance and strength that God provides.
Background:
Written in 1863 by John S.B. Monsell, this text is usually paired with the tune Duke Street, attributed to J.Hatton
Guide Me O Thou Great Redeemer
Words: W. Williams; Music: John Hughes
Why it's a good choice:
This hymn is regularly used at baptisms, weddings and funerals; bringing comfort with its wonderful reminder of a God who provides for those in need and to bring us safely to heaven at the end of our lives.
Background:
This hymn was written in 1745 by William Williams. He uses imagery from the book of Exodus to conjure up a theme of God’s guidance through struggle. The tune “Cwm Rhondda” was written by John Hughes in 1905 and is most effective in its use of repeated words for greater emphasis of the text.
He鈥檚 Got The Whole World In His Hands
Traditional African-American spiritual, first published in 1927
Why it's a good choice:
This lovely spiritual works well at a baptism as it speaks of God, our creator and protector.
He Who Would Valiant Be
Words: John Bunyan; Tune: English Traditional arr. R. Vaughan Williams
Why it's a good choice:
This hymn has often been used at baptisms – it reminds us to follow Christ and have the courage to be with Him.
Background:
Taken from Pilgrim’s Progress, this hymn recalls words from the book of Hebrews. The words were modified by Percy Dearmer for inclusion in the 1906 English Hymnal where it was paired with an English folk tune arranged by Ralph Vaughan Williams.
I The Lord Of Sea And Sky
Words and Music: Dan Schutte
Why it's a good choice:
Written originally for the ordination of a deacon, this hymn works well at baptisms as it tells that God is with us through everything.
Background:
This very popular hymn, also know as “Here I am, Lord” was written in 1981 by the American catholic composer, Dan Schutte. The words are based on passages from the books of Isaiah and Samuel.
In Christ Alone
Words: Stuart Townend; Music: Keith Getty
Why it's a good choice:
This worship song can be used effectively at a baptism service, with its strong theme of life, death and the resurrection of Christ.
Background:
A popular worship song with a distinctive Irish melody, it was the first collaboration from Stuart Townend and Keith Getty. Its theme is the life, death and resurrection of Christ.
Lord Of All Hopefulness
Words: Jan Struther; Tune: Irish Traditional
Why it's a good choice:
The words of this hymn are perfectly suited for a baptism, wedding or funeral as it asks for God’s presence with us at all times.
Background:
This hymn was written by the English writer, Jan Struther and first published in Songs of Praise in 1931. It has become particularly popular as a hymn to be used at both wedding and funeral services, asking God to be with us throughout the day.
Morning Has Broken
Words: Eleanor Farjeon; Tune: Scottish Gaelic Traditional
Why it's a good choice:
This hymn is particularly apt for a baptism service, with its child-like uplifting and hopeful words. It can also be appropriate for a funeral service.
Background:
This hymn originally appeared in the 1931 publication of Songs of Praise. It was written by the English poet and children’s author, Eleanor Farjeon, and set to the traditional Scottish Gaelic tune, “Bunessan”. It was made particularly popular by a recording of it, sung by Cat Stevens, that made no.1 in the charts. It is a particular favourite of children.
O Jesus I Have Promised
Words: J.E.Bode; Tune: W.H.Ferguson
Why it's a good choice:
This lovely hymn works well at a baptism as it challenges us to commit our lives to Jesus and to follow his values.
Background:
This well-known hymn challenges us to commit ourselves to Jesus and to ask for strength to follow his values. It was written in 1869 by the priest, John Ernest Bode.
It is most usually sung today to the tune “Wolvercote” by W.H.Feguson, but it enjoyed some popularity in the 1960’s when set to the contemporary tune’ “Hatherop Castle” by Geoffrey Beaumont.
One More Step Along The World I Go
Words and Music: Sydney Carter
Why it's a good choice:
Often sung at baptisms and weddings, this hymn illustrates our journey of life with God as a companion.
Take My Life And Let It Be
Words: Frances Havergal; Tune: W.H. Havergal
Why it's a good choice:
This lovely hymn can be used at baptisms, as it is a testament to our dedication to the Lord.
Background:
This beautiful hymn was written in 1874 by the religious poet and hymn writer, Frances Havergal. Although always in frail health, Havergal led a very active spiritual life and encouraged many people to turn to Jesus through her own strong faith. She was a fine singer and excellent pianist too. The tune, “Consecration” to which this hymn is often sung, was written by Frances’ father, Rev William Henry Havergal, who was himself a prominent composer and hymn writer.
The Church鈥檚 One Foundation
Words: S.J. Stone; Tune: S.S. Wesley
Why it's a good choice:
This can be used as a baptism hymn, the words describing the church’s relationship to its “foundation” being Jesus Christ.
Background:
This hymn has a bit of a political background as it was written as a response to a crisis in the Church of South Africa, when the first Bishop of Natal denounced much of the Bible as being fictitious. Samuel Stone was inspired to write a set of hymns based on the Apostle’s Creed, of which this hymn is one. It is typically set to the tune, “Aurelia” by Samuel Sebastian Wesley.
The King Of Love My Shepherd Is
Words: H.W. Baker; Tune: J.B. Dykes
Why it's a good choice:
This paraphrase of Psalm 23 is ideally used for baptisms with its very apt words.
Background:
This lovely paraphrase of Psalm 23 was written in 1868 by the Baronet hymn writer, Sir Henry Baker and has remained a firm favourite ever since. It is normally sung to the tune “Dominus Regit Me” by J.B. Dykes, but it is also often paired with the lovely Irish folk tune, “St Columba”.
The Lord鈥檚 My Shepherd
Words: Psalm 23; Tune: Jessie Irvine
Why it's a good choice:
This paraphrase of Psalm 23 is ideally used for baptisms with its very apt words. Perfect for a wedding as well, as Psalm 23 is set as part of the wedding service. And finally, the hymn works extremely well at a funeral with its comforting words telling us good is always with us.
Background:
Perhaps the most famous and widely used of all the paraphrases of Psalm 23, this hymn, known as Crimond, is constantly being used at both weddings and funerals and tells of God being with us wherever we are. The tune “Crimond” was written by Jessie Seymour Irvine who was the daughter of a minister who served for a time in the town named Crimond.
